Moose biologist Kristine Rines said the number now under study is close to the goal set of 45 moose for the first two weeks of the study, using helicopters to round up the behemoths.

For this initial project work, New Hampshire Fish and Game contracted with a specialized helicopter wildlife crew from Aero Tech, Inc., to capture and collar moose for the study, using net-guns and tranquilizer darts.

Extremely cold temperatures made the work challenging, because it affected some equipment. No nets were used, which could be more traumatic for the moose. They were tranquilized by a gun fired from a helicopter.

Biologists took blood samples, then collared the moose. Samples of winter ticks were also taken from their bodies. Ticks are suspected as a reason for the decline in the numbers.

About 45 more moose are expected to be collared next January, as the study continues. No additional moose will be collared in New Hampshire in the third and final year of the study.